Looking for 4 Group Leaders/ PIs in Kaunas-Kiel Microbiome & Precision Medicine Center

Updated: about 2 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 01 May 2026

23 Feb 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Department

Institute for Digestive Research (VSTI)
Research Field

Biological sciences
Researcher Profile

Established Researcher (R3)
Positions

Other Positions
Application Deadline

1 May 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Vilnius)
Country

Lithuania
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The newly established Kaunas-Kiel Microbiome & Precision Medicine Center at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences invites highly motivated, creative, and ambitious researchers to apply for four (4) Principal Investigator / Group Leader positions (R3/R4 level).

The Center is being developed as an international joint initiative between:

  • Institute for Digestive Research (VSTI), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), Lithuania
  • Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos (LSMUHKK), Lithuania
  • Institute for Clinical and Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Germany
  • Kiel Microbiome Center (KMC), Kiel University, Germany

The Center aims to establish a strong, internationally visible research environment integrating cutting-edge microbiome research, systems medicine approaches, artificial intelligence, and translational innovation to address major challenges in human health and disease.

Research Focus

We welcome applications in research areas including, but not limited to:

  • Host–microbiome interactions in health and disease
  • Microbiome-driven mechanisms in inflammatory, metabolic, oncological, and infectious diseases
  • Development of innovative experimental model systems for mechanistic and translational microbiome research
  • AI and machine learning approaches for integrative multi-omics analysis and systems modeling
  • Translation of microbiome discoveries into clinically actionable biomarkers and therapeutic strategies
  • Establishment of interdisciplinary research platforms and collaborative frameworks

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative research programs that complement and strengthen existing expertise within the Center and its partner institutions.

Application Documents

Applicants are invited to submit:

  • Curriculum vitae (including publication list)
  • Statement of research interests (1–2 pages)
  • Research program proposal (3–4 pages), including scientific vision, relevance to the Center, and collaboration potential

Applications must be submitted by 1 May 2026 to: vsti@lsmu.lt  

About the Hosting Institution

The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) is the leading health sciences university in Lithuania and one of the foremost biomedical research institutions in the Baltic region, integrating research, education, and clinical practice within a comprehensive academic hospital environment.

The Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos is the largest multidisciplinary academic medical centre in Lithuania, providing advanced clinical infrastructure, biobanks, and translational research facilities.

The Center benefits from strategic collaboration with IKMB and KMC at Kiel University, Germany.

Equal Opportunities

The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that submitted materials do not infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights.

 


Where to apply
E-mail

vsti@lsmu.lt

Requirements
Research Field
Medical sciences
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Hold a PhD in life sciences, biomedicine, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
  • Have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience or demonstrate equivalent scientific independence (R3/R4 level)
  • Demonstrate the ability to establish and lead an internationally competitive independent research program
  • Show evidence of scientific excellence through high-impact publications and/or success in securing competitive funding
  • Present a clear, innovative research vision aligned with the Center’s strategic priorities
  • Demonstrate experience in interdisciplinary research (experimental, computational and/or clinical)
  • Show commitment to mentoring students and early-career researchers

International experience is considered an advantage.


Additional Information
Benefits
  • Full-time position (3-year initial appointment, extendable for up to 2 additional years), with the possibility of transition to a long-term or tenure-track role
  • Annual gross salary:
    • R3 – up to €72,000
    • R4 – up to €100,000
      (depending on qualifications and experience)
  • Competitive start-up package of up to €1 million to establish an independent research group
  • Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure: multi-omics platforms, bioinformatics and AI resources, microbiome technologies, experimental model systems
  • Strong international collaboration opportunities with IKMB and KMC at Kiel University
  • Dedicated administrative, grant development, and technology transfer support
  • Comprehensive relocation and integration assistance for international candidates and families
  • Inclusive, transparent, and collaborative research environment.

Selection process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Scientific excellence and track record
  • Originality, feasibility, and strategic alignment of the proposed research program
  • Leadership potential and international competitiveness

Applications will be reviewed by an international Search Committee.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview (planned for May 2026).

All candidates will be evaluated under equal and transparent conditions.


Additional comments

Additional job details are available on the Nature Careers website.


Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
4
Company/Institute
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Country
Lithuania
City
Kaunas
Geofield


Contact
City

Kaunas
Website

https://lsmu.lt/en/
Street

Mickeviciaus str. 9
E-Mail

vsti@lsmu.lt

STATUS: EXPIRED

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